(Newser)
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The popular televangelist described by John McCain as a "spiritual guide" has called on Christians to "wage war" to destroy the "false religion" of Islam, reports Mother Jones. Apparently, McCain could lead those Christian soldiers, with powerful Ohio megachurch leader Rod Parsley endorsing the candidate as a "strong, true, consistent conservative." McCain appeared at a rally last month with Parsley days before his successful Ohio primary.

The pastor was useful to President Bush in 2004, and could be even more crucial in boosting evangelical turnout this year, giving the Republican nominee needed help with the far right. The preacher has deemed Allah “a demon spirit,” has said America was founded in part to raise money to destroy Islam, and has described 9/11 as a "generational call to arms." The McCain camp has not yet commented on Parsley's positions. (Read more John McCain stories.)